West Virginia University officials will be putting their energies into six areas to deal with the financial situation it faces over the coming year, WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. told Board of Governors members Friday (Feb. 7) during its monthly meeting in the Mountainlair.
Facing a 13 percent reduction of expenditures amounting to some $25 million to $30 million, plus increasing costs of insurance and declining reimbursements for academic medicine, Hardesty called for the following”straightforward”strategies:
Keep enrollment growth strong. With applications and acceptances running ahead of last years numbers, Hardesty predicted the main campus could grow another 500-1,000 students.
Seek tuition and fee increases of 9.5 percent, about $155 each semester for in-state students �€a figure Hardesty said is”manageable”with the success of various WVU scholarship programs and the states investment in both merit-based and need-based programs. While the increase would be more significant for non-residents, he noted WVU is still considered one of the top 100”best buys.”
Pursue legislation that gives WVU flexibility to act quicker to meet the demands of the financial crisis and achieve more flexibility in operating procedures, thus achieving more efficiencies.
Streamline campus processes through consolidation, standardization, mergers and other cost-saving measures. Achieving a closer relationship with Potomac State College is one possible step that could save both campuses money and time, he said.
Seek financial funding for health sciences programs as well as medical malpractice reform.
Pursue legislative funding for WVU s enrollment growth, state-funded research projects and mandated changes at the community colleges as well as other high priority projects around the state.
BOG Chairman Hank Barnette endorsed the strategy, noting the boards ability to act as advocates on behalf of the University if needed.
Russ Sharp, associate director of Athletics, gave an update on capital projects approved at the boards November meeting, including the hiring of an architect and completion of a schematic design for 18 stadium suitesconstruction to begin in December with completion set for August 2004 at a cost of $8 million; Coliseum lower level renovation projectarchitect hired and conceptual design completed with anticipated construction to begin March 1 and completion date December 2004 at a cost of $7 million; architect hired for soccer stadium with construction to begin after December 2003 for completion in August 2004 at a cost of $1.5 million; and Puskar Center multi-phase renovations with design to begin in September 2003 and completion set for July 2005 at a cost of $1.5 million.
Hardesty noted that WVU s athletic department, with an annual budget of $25 million, remains the only one in the state to be self-supporting. The graduation rate of student athletes is above the national average of 50 percent, standing between 60-68 percent.
WVU s womens soccer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown, also the Big East Coach of the Year, made brief remarks, thanking the panel for their support of the soccer grandstands and noting that her goal of a national championship will be greatly enhanced through this capital project. Her athletes have a 3.33 grade-point average, she said, and excel on and off the field, finishing second in the Big East and ranked 12th in the nation.
Action items passed:
termination of associate degrees in environmental technology and engineering at WVU Parkersburg because of insufficient enrollments; two faculty members will be reassigned
approval of a revised mission statement at WVU Parkersburg to clarify the institutions role as a community-focused, accessible educational resource that delivers academic and career programs ranging from certificates to select baccalaureate degrees
approval of an associate in forestry technology degree at Potomac State College of WVU to meet the need for graduates in the states second largest industry �€forest management/wood harvesting
approval of a master of science degree in integrated marketing communication at WVU s School of Journalism via distance education; target audience of students are advertising managers already working in the field
approval to upgrade the Alfred F. Galli Laboratory in WVU s Engineering Sciences Building at a cost of $2.5 million to stay competitive in the computer science, chemical engineering and other high-tech engineering disciplines
approval of the aesthetic design of the clinical expansion parking structure at WVU Hospitals Inc. (behind the Physicians Office Center and Eye Center) that will allow for 240 spaces (100 staff; 140 patients). Bruce McClymonds, president of WVU Hospitals, also updated the board on the hospitals future expansion plans.
approval of a four-year review schedule for the president of the institution
The board also accepted a report from Provost Gerald Lang on 2002 undergraduate, graduate and professional fee waivers for students at WVU and its regional campuses used to support students in the WVU Scholars Program, creative arts, health sciences and others.
John Williams, director of accounting and financial systems, updated the board on WVU s Oracle Financial, Public Sector and Human Resources system that went”live”Jan. 6 with upgraded software and changes that are expected to increase data quality and reduce system downtime. WVU was one of the first universities in the nation to implement Oracles ERP applications and the move will assist the University with effective management of a growing research activity as well as position WVU for the new and more rigorous auditing standards from external agencies and auditors, he said. The project came in ahead of schedule and under budget, with little downtime.
The board also heard updates from Faculty Senate Chair Stan Cohen, Executive Officer for Social Justice Jennifer McIntosh, Vice President and Dean of Medicine Bob DAlessandri and General Counsel Tom Dorer. Dorer presented a draft code of conduct and conflict of interest statement for the boards review.
The next BOG meeting is set for April 3-4.